The Tablet Debate: 3G Or Wi-Fi?

Barence writes "We regularly review tablets and mention the fact that X tablet has Wi-Fi, Y tablet has 3G, but how many people are interested in each? Do most people view 3G as a must-have extra, or is Wi-Fi plenty for a device most commonly used in the home? We asked our readers for their opinions and the responses were fairly evenly split between those on both sides, with a healthy proportion also saying they may not choose it but like to have 3G as an option. What do Slashdotters think? Is 3G a must-have for tablets or will a tethered smartphone do the job?"

Comments

Re:wifi?

[hinesbrad]

I concur. I think it's ridiculous to pay for a data plan on a tablet when I already have a smart phone with a data plan.

Also on Slashdot:

[pushing-robot]

Is a $200 graphics card a must-have?

Are hiking boots a must-have?

Is a baby stroller a must-have?

Is 4WD a must-have?

The answers to these questions and many more: It depends, you idiot!

3G connectivity equals provider lock-in

[Daniel Phillips]

Any time you have the telephone company involved with your computer, expect grief. If you don't absolutely require built-in connectivity to a cell network, Try to avoid this pain. Just two issues: 1) the provider will try to install software onto your machine that you don't want, can't delete and can't shut off; 2) the provider is not interested in upgrading your ROM for any other reason than locking you even more into their own services.

Re:Too pricey.

[mirix]

This. If I lived in Europe, I'd want 3G. - In North America, fuck it. The price is just not justifiable.

Re:tethered via adhoc wifi will do the job

[PhotoJim]

True as long as you have 3G GSM (WCDMA). 2G/2.5G GSM (i.e. GPRS or EDGE) pauses the data connection to let the call go through.